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Justice for the Lithia Springs 3

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PETITION IS TO DEMAND THAT DARNELL KELLY BE CHARGED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW FOR THE SLOW AGONIZING DEATHS OF THREE (3) DOGS, UPON BEING FOUND GUILTY DARNELL KELLY SHOULD RECEIVE MAXIMUM SENTENCE ALLOWED BY LAW, AND DARNELL KELLY SHOULD BE PROHIBITED FROM OWNING ANY ANIMAL FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS LIFE.

The following text is copied from the Douglas County Sentinel link referenced below:
http://www.douglascountysentinel.com/view/full_story/12836804/article-Charges-filed-in-death-of-dogs?instance=DShome_news_top2

A man whose three pit bull dogs apparently died from malnutrition and dehydration when he allegedly moved and left them behind made his first appearance in Magistrate Court Monday.

Law enforcement officials charged Darnell Kelly with aggravated cruelty to animals and abandonment of the canines.

He was released on a $6,000 bond.

According to an officer with the Douglas County Animal Control, a neighbor's dog ran onto the property of the home at 6180 Temple Street, Lithia Springs, while she was walking her dog April 5.

She followed the dog onto the property and discovered the three dead pit bulls.

They were in various degrees of decomposition, the Animal Control officer said.  They were severely emaciated, skin and bones, basically.

Two were locked in wire crates, while the other was rolled up in a piece of carpet, according to the investigation.

The house was being rented by Kelly, and the dogs lived with him in the house. Kelly admitted in court to not paying rent for five months, but said he was still living a(t) the residence until a few weeks ago.

Kelly was charged Nov. 23, 2010 with theft of the service of electricity which he said he used to keep himself and the dogs warm.

Kelly said he was in the hospital for about two weeks receiving treatment for a heart condition and couldn't get anyone to take care of the animals.

Read more: Douglas County Sentinel - Charges filed in death of dogs ==================================================================
As per an email from Martina Hemming, Executive Director of the West Georgia SPCA:
(c) A person commits the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals when he or she knowingly
and maliciously causes death or physical harm to an animal by rendering a part of such animal's
body useless or by seriously disfiguring such animal. A person convicted of the offense of
aggravated cruelty to animals shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more
than five years, a fine not to exceed $ 15,000.00, or both, provided that any person who is
convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall be punished by
imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, a fine not to exceed the amount
provided by Code Section 17-10-8, or both.

===================================================================
Notation from Sponsor: If Darnell Kelly suffers from a heart condition, as he claims in the news article, that is unfortunate.  However, it does not excuse his actions and in no way makes him any less responsible for the care and well being of his dogs.  Darnell Kelly knowingly withheld food and water over a lengthy period of time.
===================================================================
Below is content of message sent to District Attorney McDade at approximately 6 p.m. (ET) on Friday, 4/29/11 via his website:

Dear Mr. McDade,Recently I read an article in the Douglas County Sentinel regarding this horrific case.  As an animal lover, who has seen enough neglect and abuse of defenseless animals, it was my call to action.  As such, I initiated an on-line petition to foster support (actually demand) for the accused to charged to the fullest extent of the law, when found guilty that he be sentenced to the fullest extent of the law, and that he be prohibited from owning pets for the remainder of his life.  In the process, I contacted Martina Hemming of West Georgia SPCA, who invited me to partner with them in pursuing this cause as a volunteer Animal Advocate.  I have also contacted the Animal Legal Defense Fund, who has informed me (through Lisa of their Criminal Justice Program) that they will be contacting your office to offer their assistance.  This past week I placed my second call to Court Clerk's office to learn of any new developments with this case, and I was told the case has been elevated to the Superior Court.  I was very pleased to learn this!  In closing, here is the link to the petition, which has been up for 1 week and has nearly 1500 signatures from across the globe:  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/349/justice-for-the-lithia-springs-3/I shall continue to push for support because animal advocates every where are saying - enough is enough!===================================================================
 Monday, 5/2 response from District Attorney's office:
Thank you for your interest in this case. We do have the case in our
office it is in Judge William H. McClain's courtroom. We will forward your
information to the prosecutor assigned to this case. Feel free to contact
our office at any time during the prosecution of this case.
...Thanks,
Douglas County District Attorney's Office
==================================================================
Tuesday, 5/3 response from District Attorney's office:
The case is assigned to Assistant District Attorney Jeff Gore and there is
no court date at this time. Count one is the felony and count two is a
misdemeanor count.
Thanks,
Douglas County District Attorney's Office
==================================================================
Take additional action by faxing DA's office:
Contact: David McDade, Esquire - District Attorney, Douglas Judicial District
8700 Hospital Drive - Main Floor, Douglas County Courthouse
Douglasville, Georgia 30134
Phone: 770.920.7292 - Fax: 770.920.7123
Please note Assistant District Attorney, Jeff Gore, is assigned to this case.
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